China, Macau

OVERVIEW

Macau can seem like something of a strange place, a brash mix of old and the very new.

If you walk around the city center on foot then you will pass row after row of traditional buildings, many of which are spectacular examples of Portuguese architecture from the days when it was a former colony. If you look up however you will probably see yet another looming skyscraper, and one that is almost certainly a casino.

Top picks in Macau

The VenetianMost people come to Macau primarily for the casino experience and even if you don’t want to gamble it is still worth stopping by one of the bigger and grander ones just so you can witness the gold-trimmed buildings and the massive gaming floors. If you don’t have time to head to all of them then the Venetian is the largest casino in the world so is a good choice, at least to say you have been.

The Historic CenterIf casinos are not really of interest to you then it’s good to remember that the center of Macau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there is a lot to see in terms of historic buildings and museums if you want this to be more of a cultural trip.

Coloane and TaipaPeople often forget that Macau is by the water but if you want to head for the beach or to a sleepier side of the region then Coloane or Taipa are both excellent choices and have sandy beaches and village atmospheres that are perfect for exploring by bike.

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Wander China, Macau by map

Why I LOVE China, Macau

“Macao, yet just a ferryride away from Hong Kong, is its own world. With a sense of grandness, the buildings and lights are overwhelming at first - but soon you‘ll forget yourself in it. With its famous casinos, venues and wild nature, it‘s effectively the Vegas of the east.“